A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Washington vs. Kansas City for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Washington or Kansas City?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Washington and Kansas City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Washington or Kansas City?

Washington

Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.

Kansas City

A large, mid western city that sits on the border between Missouri and Kansa, Kansas City has a population of about 450,000. It's not exactly a tourist destination, but it is a surprisingly beautiful city with more boulevards than Paris and more fountains than any other city in the world with the exception of Rome. Most of the city's suburbs are concentrated in the south but the city is beginning to grow to the north as well. The climate in Kansas City can vary dramatically, in large part because it is so far from any form of water. Winters can range from mild to extremely cold and snow is not uncommon. Spring and fall and quite comfortable but summer months can be incredibly hot and humid.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Kansas City or Washington?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Washington is $198, while the average daily cost in Kansas City is $161. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Washington and Kansas City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Washington $113
    Kansas City $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Washington $226
    Kansas City $176
Compare Hotels in Washington and Kansas City

Looking for a hotel in Washington or Kansas City? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Washington


Hotels in Kansas City


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Washington Hotel Prices and Kansas City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Washington $47
    Kansas City $44
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:


  • Metro Day Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • private Ronald Reagan, Washington National Airport transfer: $150
  • Washington, DC: Airport Transfer to/from DCA or IAD: $350
  • Washington to Washington Airport (IAD) Departure Private Transfer: $65
  • Washington to Newark Airport Departure Private Transfer: $189
  • Washington to NY Kennedy Airport(JFK)- Departure Private Transfer: $201
  • Washington to Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) - Departure Private Transfer: $68
  • Washington to Baltimore Airport (BWI) Departure Private Transfer: $76
  • Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA): Transfer to Washington: $176
  • Washington DC: Private Transfer to Airports or Baltimore: $160
  • Washington DC: DCA Private Transfer from/to Downtown: $110
  • Washington DC: Bus transfer from/to Philadelphia: $5.74
  • Washington City to Philadelphia City - Private Car Transfer: $137

Is it cheaper to fly into Washington or Kansas City?

Prices for flights to both Kansas City and Washington change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Washington $38
    Kansas City $47
Typical Food Prices in Washington

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:


  • Water
    $2.00
  • Snacks on Monuments Tour
    $6.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington

For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Washington DC: Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit: $60
  • Washington DC Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Small-Group Capitol Hill Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $98
  • Washington, DC: African American History Tour with Dinner: $108
  • Washington DC Signature Dinner Cruise: $121
  • Washington,DC: Union Market Private Food Tour: $125
  • Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
  • Washington DC:Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey: $140
  • Washington DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $140
  • Washington DC: Personalized & Private Food Tour with a Local: $152
  • Washington DC Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise: $161

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Washington $24
    Kansas City $11

Tours and Activities in Washington

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.

  • "Secrets & Scandals of Capitol Hill" Guided Evening Walking Tour: $20
  • 1.5 Hour Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour with Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: $40
  • 2 For 1! DC Highlights & Arlington Cemetery Tour Bundle: $84
  • 2 Hour Guided Bike Tour of Capitol Hill: $55
  • 2-Hour African American Heritage Tour in Washington DC: $25
  • 2-Hour National Mall Walking Tour from Washington DC: $25
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Washington DC's Monumental Marvels: $25
  • African American History Private Tour w/ Museum Entry: $350
  • African American History Tour with Museum Admission: $89
  • America’s Main Street and White House – Full-Day Tour: $741
  • Arlington Cemetery & Changing of the Guard Exclusive Guided Tour : $101
  • Arlington Cemetery Guided Afternoon Walking Tour: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Washington $19
    Kansas City $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
  • Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $59
  • DC Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
  • DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
  • Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour -Spirited: $255


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Washington and Kansas City, we can see that Washington is more expensive. And not only is Kansas City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kansas City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kansas City and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington than you might in Kansas City.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Washington Expensive? and Is Kansas City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Washington or Kansas City?

Washington has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Kansas City. When comparing the sizes of Washington and Kansas City, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Washington or Kansas City?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Washington or Kansas City in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Kansas City. Most visitors come to Washington for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Washington is generally around the same temperature as Kansas City. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 79°F (26°C), and Kansas City fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kansas City this time of the year. In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Washington usually receives less sunshine than Kansas City during summer. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Kansas City receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Washington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kansas City. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Kansas City receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Washington 79°F (26°C) 
    Kansas City 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Washington or Kansas City in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Washington as well as Kansas City. The autumn months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Washington is around the same temperature as Kansas City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 60°F (15°C) in October, and Kansas City fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kansas City. In the autumn, Washington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kansas City. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kansas City receives 208 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets more rain in October than Kansas City. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Kansas City receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Washington 60°F (15°C) 
    Kansas City 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Washington or Kansas City in the Winter?

Both Kansas City and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kansas City. It's quite cold in Washington in the winter. In the winter, Washington is much warmer than Kansas City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Washington in January average around 35°F (1°C), and Kansas City averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

Washington usually receives less sunshine than Kansas City during winter. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Kansas City receives 175 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Washington usually receives more rain than Kansas City. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Kansas City receives 0.9 inches (23 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Washington 35°F (1°C) 
    Kansas City 30°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Washington or Kansas City in the Spring?

Both Kansas City and Washington during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Washington is generally around the same temperature as Kansas City. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 56°F (14°C), and Kansas City fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

In Kansas City, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Washington. In the spring, Washington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kansas City. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kansas City receives 231 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kansas City. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Kansas City receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Washington 56°F (14°C) 
    Kansas City 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Kansas City and Washington

Washington Kansas City
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Feb 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 35°F (2°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Mar 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Apr 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 58°F (15°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
May 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jun 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4.9 inches (125 mm)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 82°F (28°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Aug 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 80°F (26°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Sep 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (62 mm)
Nov 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Dec 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.2 inches (30 mm)